Bond election roundup: Voters OK most issues, including top 9

The top nine bond issues on ballots across the nation received approval from voters and the 10th largest had 59.1% of the vote, with 60% needed, with slightly more than a quarter of the ballots counted.

Voters in Austin Independent School District passed the $1.05 billion of bonds requested, while Houston voters said yes to $1.01 billion of pension bonds as well as $159 million for public safety improvements, $123 million for libraries, $109 million for public facility improvement and $104 million for parks.

Dallas voters approved all portions of a $1.05 billion bond package before them, including $534 million for street and transportation improvement and $262 million for parks and recreation.

Mecklenburg County, N.C.’s $922 million school bonds received approval.

Spring Branch ISD voters agreed to sell $898 million of bonds, Fort Worth ISD got permission for $750 million and Katy ISD received voters’ consent to sell $609 million of bonds. Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD got the thumbs up for $525 million of issuance, while Leander ISD was approved to sell $454 million.

Federal Way Public Schools, in Washington, had 59.1% of the vote for its $450 million referendum, but needs a 60% supermajority for passage. About 26.5% of expected ballots had been counted in the vote-by-mail election.

Socorro ISD won passage of its $448.5 million bond measure, and Lamar Consolidated ISD's $445 million bond proposal passed.

Denver voters approved a $937 million package of bonds, including $431 million for transportation, $152 million for parks and recreation, and $117 million for museums.

The Ector County ISD plan for $291 million in bonds was rejected by voters. But Tomball ISD got a yes vote for $275 million of bonds, and Lake Travis ISD voters approved $253 million.

The Phoenix Union High SD 210’s $269 million bonds were “headed toward approval,” according to reports, as were Tolleson UHSD 214’s $125 million bonds and Kyrene ESD 28’s $117 million for capital improvements.

Anoka-Hennepin ISD, Minn., voters agreed to two propositions that will allow it to sell $249 million of bonds.

Canyons SD, Utah, received the go-ahead for a $283 million general obligation bond, and voters agreed to provide Granite SD with $238 million, and Weber SD will be able to sell $97 million of bonds. But a $106.5 million referendum for Ogden City SD was failing by a 49% to 51% margin in unofficial results.

Little Elm ISD voters will allow the district to issue $235 million of new money and $4.5 million of refunding bonds.

In Ohio, Upper Arlington City SD voters said yes to $230 million of bond issuance as did those in Cuyahoga County for $228 million.

Fort Bend County voters approved a $218 million mobility bond issue and Sherman ISD voters passed a $176 million bond issuance. Deer Park ISD appeared to have approval for its $156 million plan, with nearly 75% of the vote with 60% of precincts reporting, according to reports.

A $185 million Portland Community College District proposition appeared to have passed based on early results, according to reports.

Tucson USD 1, Ariz., voters rejected $180 million of bonds.

Philadelphia passed a $172 million bond issue for capital improvements.

Victoria ISD voters turned down $141 million of bonds. Pasadena ISD, Texas’ $135 million referendum appeared headed for passage in unofficial results, according to reports. Webb County voters rejected a $125 million jail bond. Community ISD scored a $116 million bond issue, according to unofficial results. Crosby ISD voters approved a $109.5 million bond sale and Amarillo ISD voters approved a $100 million bond sale.

New Jersey voters said yes to $125 million for libraries.

Falls Church, Va., voters agreed to a $120 million school bond.

Mesa County Valley School District, Colo.’s $118.5 million bond deal was approved.

School City of Hammond, Ind.’s $110.625 million of bonds were approved, but West Clark Community School voters nixed a$95 million bond.

Idaho Falls SD #91 voters turned down the district’s request for $110 million in bonding ability.